Ellesmere College vs Papanui High School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 39 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Ellesmere College
Leeston · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
575 students
Papanui High School
Papanui · State secondary (year 9-15) · Years 9–13
1,416 students
| Measure | Ellesmere College Leeston, Canterbury | Papanui High School Papanui, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 52 Top 50% | 45 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #38 of 57 | #45 of 57 |
| National rank | #218 of 486 | #267 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Secondary (Year 7-15) | Secondary (Year 9-15) |
| Year range | Years 7–13 | Years 9–13 |
| Students | 575 | 1,416 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 462 | 461 |
| Total roll | 575 | 1,416 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -7% | -4.5% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | 90.2% | 70.1% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | 47.1% | 45.4% |
| Māori students | 18.3% | 17.4% |
| Pacific students | 3.3% | 5.2% |
| International students | 2.8% | 4% |
| suburb or town | Leeston | Papanui |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.ellesmere.school.nz | www.papanui.school.nz/ |
The verdict
- •Ellesmere College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (52.3 vs 44.9).
- •Papanui High School does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (461 vs 462).
- •Papanui High School does better on roll size (1,416 vs 575).
- •Papanui High School does better on roll growth (5 years) (-4.5% vs -7%).
- •Ellesmere College does better on school leavers with ncea level 2+ (90.2% vs 70.1%).
- •Papanui High School is the larger school with 1,416 students compared with 575.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Ellesmere College better than Papanui High School?
On the Success Index (NZ), Ellesmere College ranks higher (52.3 vs 44.9 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Ellesmere College and Papanui High School?
About 39 km in a straight line, between Leeston and Papanui in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Ellesmere College: 462. Papanui High School: 461. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Ellesmere College and Papanui High School rank in Canterbury?
Ellesmere College is 38th of 57 and Papanui High School is 45th of 57 among secondary (year 7-15) schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).